Work-Energy Theorem

The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy. This principle allows us to determine the final speed of an object after a constant force has been applied over a specific distance without having to use kinematic equations directly.

Experiment with the Work-Energy Module

Open Work-Energy Theorem. The controls provided are Mass m, Initial speed v0, Net force F, and Requested displacement x.

1. Set Mass m to 2, Initial speed v0 to 3, Net force F to 4, and Requested displacement x to 2. Observe the calculated work of 8 J and final speed of √17.
2. Set Mass m = 2, Initial speed v0 = 4, Net force F = -3 and Requested displacement x = 4. Initial energy is 16 J, requested work -12 J, K at request 4 J and speed 2 m/s.
3. Set Mass m = 1, Initial speed v0 = 0, Net force F = 5 and Requested displacement x = 2. Work and final K are 10 J, and speed is √20, approximately 4.472135955 m/s.
4. Set Mass m = 2, Initial speed v0 = 2, Net force F = -2 and Requested displacement x = 3. The forward request is unreachable and the stopping point is 2 m. No final K or speed at x = 3 is shown.
5. Change Requested displacement x to 2. The stop is reachable with K = 0 and speed 0.
6. Set Mass m = 1, Initial speed v0 = 0, Net force F = 0 and Requested displacement x = 1. The object is stationary at the origin; no speed or K at the unvisited request is claimed. Set x = 0 to recover the valid initial state.
7. Clear Mass m and observe the accessible error with calculations removed. Restore m = 2, then choose Reset view after panning; inputs remain unchanged.